A Middlesex University robot has 鈥渁nswered questions鈥� from MPs on the House of Commons Education Committee, although it has already been conceded that the device鈥檚 answers were not spontaneous.

At a hearing on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the implications of artificial intelligence for education, the robot, named Pepper, 鈥渢alked about how a new way of thinking is needed by tomorrow鈥檚 workers to get the most from technological innovation鈥�, Middlesex said.

鈥淚t will be clear on the day that Pepper鈥檚 responses are not spontaneous,鈥� an Education Committee spokesman聽 on 12 October, confirming that the robot鈥檚 answers were preprogrammed. 鈥淗aving Pepper appear before the committee and the chance to question the witnesses will provide an opportunity for members to explore both the potential and limitations of such technology and the capabilities of robots.鈥�

Martin Loomes, pro vice-chancellor for research and professor of computing at Middlesex, who also appeared before the committee, said: 鈥淎 traditional view of robots is that they will automate simple, repetitive tasks on a production line. The development of robots like Pepper shows that robots may well be integrated into more social settings.

鈥淭he challenge will be having an education system that can adapt to rapid evolution and support lifelong learning.聽At Middlesex University, we have been among the first to invest heavily in technology such as compliant robots capable of integration into social settings and a manufacturing 4.0 cyber-factory, and we are pioneering curriculum聽approaches聽that use this environment for problem-based, skills-focused learning to the full.鈥�

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com